Marion Roby “Buck” Buckalew

Highlights

Indian River Citrus League

Joint Citrus Industry Legislative Committee

Florida Citrus Commission Classification Committee

Florida Citrus Hall of Fame Selection Committee

International Society of Citriculture

Florida Citrus Mutual

Bio

Marion Roby “Buck” Buckalew was born on July 6, 1905, in Lafayette, Alabama. By 1926, Buckalew had moved to Cocoa, Florida and he quickly became involved with the citrus industry in the Indian River area.

In 1955, Buckalew became Executive Director of the Indian River Citrus League, a position he held for 22 years. He became known as “Mr. Indian River.” Buckalew served on many industry committees including the Joint Citrus Industry Legislative Committee, the Florida Citrus Commission’s Fruit Classification Committee, and the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame Selection Committee. In addition, he was also a member of the Florida State Horticultural Society, the International Society of Citriculture as well as an honorary member of Florida Citrus Mutual. Buckalew was very active in his church, helping to build the First Baptist Church of Cocoa. He is remembered for his extraordinary leadership and his ability to calm potentially volatile situations for the betterment of the citrus industry.